Method and apparatus for enhancing nervous function

Abstract

Disclosed is a method for interacting with the nervous system. The method includes detecting signals associated with a biological function at one or more sensors. It also includes processing the signals to create a representation thereof, delivering effector responses based on the representations, and controlling a physical process.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT / US2015 / 046819, filed Aug. 25, 2015, which in turn claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 043,760, filed Aug. 29, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. This application is also a continuation-in-part of International Application No. PCT / US2015 / 047820, filed Aug. 31, 2015, which in turn claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 043,760, filed Aug. 29, 2014; International Application No. PCT / US2015 / 047820 is also a continuation-in-part of International Application No. PCT / US2015 / 046819, filed Aug. 25, 2015, which in turn claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 043,760, filed Aug. 29, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.FIELD[0002]The present application relates generally to function of the nervous system of the body. More specifically, ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0016]Thus, the current invention forms a symbolic internal representation of simple and complex functions. This internal representation is derived from empiric association between detected signals and a function—e.g. electrical signals on the hand when a finger touches an object, or scalp signals when an individual is “alert” versus drowsy. This is actionable, yet more simple and a more tractable computational task. It is akin to representing something that is visualized by an “impressionist” painter rather than one trained in the “realist” school. This approach is based largely on the premise that in addition to the primary brain cortex required for a task, that is difficult to precisely define, secondary areas become activated and may be easily sensed and used for training.

[0045]In another aspect, there is provided a system for improving specific human performance, the system including a processor, a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, performs operations including identifying regions of the body associated with parts of the brain that serve a specific function, placing low energy stimulating electrodes proximate to said regions of the body, applying stimulation through said electrodes to activate said parts of the brain, and measuring changes in performance related to said parts of the brain.

Problems solved by technology

It is primarily specific to an individual (“personalized enciphered nervous system”), since mapping of any task differs between individuals—that has greatly limited the success of, for example, neurophysiological protheses to date.

Images